HABS INJURY UPDATE-Gomez Returns/Desharnais Out

Scott Gomez will play in one of the two games against the Ottawa Senators this weekend.

Gomez had been listed day-to-day with a lower body injury suspected to be a minor groin pull.

The Canadiens utilized both Brossard practice rinks for the first hour of today’s practice. During that session Gomez worked with former regular linemate Max Pacioretty plus rookie Brendan Gallagher. The second hour of practice focused on special teams during which Brian Gionta joined Gomez and Pacioretty.

The Canadiens play four games in four nights starting tomorrow in Ottawa. They’ll play the Senators again Saturday night at the Bell Centre followed by two games against the Bruins; in Quebec City on Sunday and at the Bell Centre Monday. It’s expected the Canadiens will then cut their roster, which currently numbers 59, to a more manageable 25 or 30 for the final week of camp.

Regarding the other training camp casualties –

Andrei Markov continues to skate alone or with team therapist Graham Rynbend. According to Canadiens coach Jacques Martin, he’s making progress but won’t be ready for the October 6th season-opener in Toronto.

Lars Eller has not been cleared for contact but did take part in power play drills during the second half of today’s training session. It’s expected he’ll be cleared for full practice next week but it’s unlikely he’ll see action during the exhibition season. There is still hope that he’ll be available for the opener.

David Desharnais suffered a lower body injury sometime during last night’s 3-1 loss to Buffalo. It’s not considered serious. Whatever the problem is, it didn’t prevent Desharnais from playing out the Buffalo game. He was on the ice in the final minute with Pacioretty and Gionta, his linemates for the night. Desharnais was named the game’s second star.

Rookie defenseman Brendon Nash has undergone surgery to repair a shoulder injury that will sideline him indefinitely.

Forward Hunter Bishop suffered a leg injury in the game against Dallas. He’s listed day-to-day.

Forward Andrew Conboy skated for the first time since Saturday. He suffered a head injury when he was checked by teammate Erik Cole.